Tackling Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic Bullying.
Doncaster Rovers FC is supporting ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ in an effort to educate against racism and Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic bullying by hosting an event for young people from Doncaster and South Yorkshire schools.The series of free educational events for young people is hosted by twenty football clubs in England. Activities at the events will help young people to explore stereotypes, evaluate language and terminology and reflect on prejudice. A question and answer session, with young people putting their questions about discrimination to a panel of role models, also took place in the afternoon.
The event is also supported by Doncaster Town Council.
Gavin Sutherland, Campaign Coordinator said: “SRtRC has worked with Doncaster Rovers FC and the Doncaster community for many years now. They have hosted educational events annually to help young people understand the issue of racism.
“We have worked with the club for a number of years and have built up a strong relationship to fight racism and HBT bullying together. This new initiative should be a memorable and engaging experience for the young people.
“They will be afforded the chance to take part in several workshops based on different elements of racism and HBT bullying, along with this the young people will be shown two of the campaigns films aimed at combatting the issues discussed.’’
Club Doncaster Foundation Community Officer Gareth Cook highlighted the importance of the event returning to Keepmoat Stadium: “We were delighted to host the Show Racism the Red Card event and provide positive messages to pupils about racism, homophobia and bullying.
“The workshops that were delivered were interactive and really thought provoking for the children. The schools in attendance today included Bentley High Street, Rosedale, Our Lady Mount Carmel and Branton St Wilfrids.
“The event is another way that we can use the power of sport to inspire our partner schools in the local community.”
The Tackling HBT Bullying project will also feature free Teacher Training events at four locations in England and a film competition for young people to send in their work about HBT Bullying.
Stonewall research in 2014 revealed almost nine in ten secondary school teachers (86%) and almost half (45%) of primary school teachers said pupils in their school, regardless of sexual orientation, have experienced homophobic bullying.
Announcing the fund in March of this year, then Minister for Women and Equalities, Jo Swinson said: “It’s good news that schools are making progress on homophobic bullying, but it must be eradicated entirely. The trauma of being bullied at school can stay with you for life, and it is absolutely unacceptable that those who may be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender are being targeted.
“Teachers need specialist support and training to help them stamp out homophobic bullying, which is why we have funded these excellent projects which are designed to tackle this issue head on.”